German Approach

Germans have experienced times of acute shortage. These have left their stamp on the German product philosophy. Efficiency is a key product characteristic. Efficient in its development, manufacturing, and use. Examples

American Approach

The USA remains one of the resource richest countries in the world. Although efficiency is among the key characteristics of any product, output almost always outweighs efficiency. Examples

American View

Americans have become aware of the importance of efficiency, and progress is being made. At the same time, U.S. companies have been successful nonetheless. Their experience is that products, indeed, can be profitable despite weaknesses in efficiency.

German View

Germans find Americans to be wasteful of resources. The trend of the last years to supersizing is considered to be irresponsible and lacking in self-control. Oversized houses, automobiles, meals served in restaurants reinforce the impression that America is not interested in doing things in an efficient way.

Advice to Germans

You will identify many areas where Americans can be more efficient. And bringing your German sense of efficiency into those areas can improve results.

But keep in mind that your working relationship is not exclusively about results as measured by efficiency. It is also about the relationship itself. A working relationship is one part work and one part relationship. 

Advice to Americans

Anticipate the importance of efficiency in all that the Germans do, develop, produce. Anticipate also their view of American approaches as often being inefficient.

Listen carefully and take seriously their input on how to do things efficiently. It’s one of their great strengths. Profit from it. At the same time, remind your German colleagues that efficiency is not everything. Often output really does trump efficiency. But make the case.